Phil Masi

From BR Bullpen

Philip Samuel Masi

Bats Right, Throws Right
Height 5' 10", Weight 180 lb.

High School Austin Community High School

Debut April 23, 1939
Final Game August 17, 1952
Born January 6, 1916 in Chicago, IL USA
Died March 29, 1990 in Mount Prospect, IL USA

[edit] Biographical Information

A Chicago native, catcher Phil Masi attended Austin High School and reached the majors with the Boston Braves in 1939. When World War II began, he was exempt from military service because he was his mother's sole supporter. By 1945, he became the Braves regular catcher, and he was an All-Star from 1945 to 1948. He had his best season in 1947, when he hit .304 with 9 homers. That same season, he earned notoriety for being the catcher in Jackie Robinson's first MLB at-bat.

In his tenth season with the Braves, Masi reached the World Series in 1948, splitting time behind the plate with Bill Salkeld. He was traded the next season, and after a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he played three years with the Chicago White Sox. He retired after spending 1953 in the minors with the Dallas Eagles.

During his career, Masi was considered a top defensive catcher. He also showed a little speed, stealing several bases a year when that was not common for catchers and also getting a few triples each year.

After his baseball days ended, Masi worked in a printing business. He died of cancer at age 74.